Saturday, February 18, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Woah, Baby!
...5 weeks away from meeting Miss BMonkey!I would post pictures of her adorable nursery, but my steel trap of a husband doesn't want the little hint to her name to be public. Maybe when we're within days of her arrival I'll sneak a picture or two up here. :)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
B-Monkey, Checkin' in!
Do we have names picked out? Yes. Are we sharing? Still nope!
How Far Along: 23 weeks, 2 days
Due Date: January 24
Size of baby: 12+ inches (as long as an ear of corn!), over 1 lb.
Total Weight Gain: ~18 lbs...eek!
Maternity Clothes: OH yes, and they're the ONLY thing I can wear anymore (for the most part)
Gender: My intuition was right! A pretty little mini-me. :)
Movements: TONS! I didn't feel her for a while due to her positioning, and then out of nowhere--wham! She's a strong little girl; I've gotten quite the beating over the last 6 weeks. so cool!
Sleep: Still pretty normal, but I do wake up a little more often than usual.
What I miss: Rigorous exercise. I'm sure I could push harder than I do, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. And there's been a few times during this hot this summer when I wouldn't have minded a cold beer or a nice glass of wine with dinner!
Cravings: I still can't get enough spicy food or water. Grapes are still a favorite, too.
Symptoms: I've had it so easy...hoping it stays that way! I've just started to have a little lower back pain on the days that I spend a lot of time on my feet.
Best Moment this week: Feeling her kick/punch/roll around so much! It's such a crazy feeling.
Funny pregnancy story of the week: Hmm, I don't know if I have one. It's pretty fun to feel her kick really hard when Eric says her name. Probably just coincidence, but we still find it cool.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The News You've Been Waiting For
For those wondering when this day would come, wonder no longer. We have officially taken on the title of Expectant Parents to our (affectionately nicknamed) little "B-Monkey". The munchkin made him/herself known just 2 days before we left for Paris on our honeymoon back in May, but we waited to make the news public until the notorious 1st trimester came to a close. "What? Paris?!" you say. Yea, sorry about that...hopefully I'll be better at baby updates than I am at life updates these days. Here's the first of many:
Do we have names picked out? Yes. Are we sharing? Nope! :)
Total Weight Gain: ~3 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet! But I did just buy my first maternity shirt in anticipation. :)
Gender: TBA, but I think it might be a girl. I'm probably wrong, but that's the feeling this week.
Movements: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling those little feet/elbows!
Sleep: Still pretty normal, but I'm already trying to train myself to sleep on my side.
What I miss: Hmmm, not much. Energy? I was pretty bummed not being able to try the French wine in Paris, too.
Cravings: Mexican/spicy food, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, and ridiculous amounts of water.
Symptoms: Mild but persistent nausea (especially if I don't eat frequently) and tiredness are the two big ones. In the last week I've been feeling little stretching pains in my stomach, too.
Best Moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat for the first time this morning! Such an amazing experience. I SO wish I could have shared the moment with daddy-to-be, but it was still special and exciting.
Funny pregnancy story of the week: I've never been a particularly moody or emotional girl, so randomly bursting into tears while having a nice lunch in Newport on the Levee with my family was pretty hilarious. Nothing bad had happened; we were sitting in the sun enjoying ourselves when our food came and I think I had the very fleeting realization that I wasn't very hungry. Cue the tears. Seriously?! Taken off-guard, mom, dad, and sister asked what was wrong and I couldn't help but laugh through the tears as I told them I had no freakin' clue! My sister wasted no time in laughing with (or at?) me. Can't wait till she's on this hormonal rollercoaster someday.
Will we find out the sex? Yes, assuming B-Monkey cooperates.
Do we have names picked out? Yes. Are we sharing? Nope! :)
How Far Along: 12 weeks.
Due Date: Too early to be exact, but somewhere between Jan 24-28. Snow baby!
Size of baby: About 2 in., .5 oz. (The size of a lime)
Total Weight Gain: ~3 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet! But I did just buy my first maternity shirt in anticipation. :)
Gender: TBA, but I think it might be a girl. I'm probably wrong, but that's the feeling this week.
Movements: None yet, but I'm really looking forward to feeling those little feet/elbows!
Sleep: Still pretty normal, but I'm already trying to train myself to sleep on my side.
What I miss: Hmmm, not much. Energy? I was pretty bummed not being able to try the French wine in Paris, too.
Cravings: Mexican/spicy food, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, and ridiculous amounts of water.
Symptoms: Mild but persistent nausea (especially if I don't eat frequently) and tiredness are the two big ones. In the last week I've been feeling little stretching pains in my stomach, too.
Best Moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat for the first time this morning! Such an amazing experience. I SO wish I could have shared the moment with daddy-to-be, but it was still special and exciting.
Funny pregnancy story of the week: I've never been a particularly moody or emotional girl, so randomly bursting into tears while having a nice lunch in Newport on the Levee with my family was pretty hilarious. Nothing bad had happened; we were sitting in the sun enjoying ourselves when our food came and I think I had the very fleeting realization that I wasn't very hungry. Cue the tears. Seriously?! Taken off-guard, mom, dad, and sister asked what was wrong and I couldn't help but laugh through the tears as I told them I had no freakin' clue! My sister wasted no time in laughing with (or at?) me. Can't wait till she's on this hormonal rollercoaster someday.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
My Two Cents on "What Not To Say To A Military Wife"
Sorry it's been so long since I've posted; it's been a busy few months.
For a few weeks now, I've seen this article floating around. I have to say, while I kind of understand what this girl is talking about, I find her responses snarky, inappropriate, and unfair. However, it also made me think seriously about the way I react to the comments she lists and I stand convicted. Take a minute to read it, see what you think. I'll wait.
With only a few trips under our belt and our first deployment just now upon us, some may find me under-qualified to speak on this subject. #1, those people are entitled to their opinion, #2, while we've not been through several deployments, I have still been on the receiving end of several of these and similar comments after simply telling someone my husband is in the military. The common responses I get in military-related conversation are, "oh, so how long has your husband been in the army?" "Only 3 months?! That's nothing!" and the very popular, "oh yea, my husband goes away for business all the time, I understand/it's not that different/etc."
While it's easy and perhaps even natural for my blood pressure to rise upon hearing the last two especially, I have to remember how little the general public knows about our lifestyle. Furthermore, I cannot and should not expect them to know because, brace yourselves, the Earth does not revolve around me. Or the military. On one hand, that person could be trying to make me feel better by trying to make me feel not so different. And sure, I have gotten the occasional tone that clearly suggested I was being ridiculous for thinking my situation felt different than the norm. I could spend 20 minutes explaining to them that, while my husband only leaves for 3 months at a time, his tempo will add up to at least 260 days away from home per year, every year, until needs of the military change or until he gets transferred to a different job. (In the spirit of transparency: I've done this. Several times. In hindsight, it probably sounded like the pity party of the century.) I could justify all the ways in which I feel that sending your husband off to the desert for 3 months and sending him to California for 3 weeks are vastly different. But what's the point of going through all that? To get them to feel sorry for me? What about forcing that down their throats is going to serve me well or make me look like a dignified human being?
More to the point, I find that the vast majority of the responses and comments that this young lady lists come out of a very pure and genuine desire to say something respectful and sympathetic. As such, they do not deserve the attitude she fires back at them. What is so offensive about someone saying, "wow, you must miss him," or "how do you do it, I don't think I could." Please, ladies, think about how much you knew about the military before you married into it. If, like me, you didn't grow up around it, you probably would have said the same things. It is only natural for people to use their own experiences as a filter for understanding yours. If the goal of this article is to educate and inform so as to not feel so misunderstood, she took the wrong approach. If I had read this 4 years ago, before I could identify with the author, I would have felt resentful that my well-meaning comments were so ungraciously received without the benefit of the doubt. Such a reaction only alienates us further and paints us in a very pretentious, entitled light. I've always felt that no one has the right to demand respect; respect is earned. This article demands respect (along with an unreasonable depth of understanding) on behalf of all military wives and does so in a very disrespectful way. I, for one, do not want to be one of the wives she speaks for.
I know several of us have that voice in our heads when we read articles like this. The one that says, "Yea! You tell 'em!" But please, before you allow that to take over, think about what message you're sending. These comments come from uninformed and mostly well-meaning people. Do you want them to learn that we are a gracious, humble group of supportive women or do you want to educate them to believe that we're entitled and bitter that we don't get the respect our service members do? Furthermore, think of the veteran spouses you know: how do you think they respond to comments like these? I don't know about you, but the attitude I read in the author's tone and the initial feeling I feel when reading it are both fairly immature and hot-headed. I've been fortunate enough to meet many "career spouses" and I can think of very few, if any, who would respond in the way this young lady did.
And for the comments and responses she listed that are CLEARLY hateful/ignorant/just downright ridiculous and rude, I would bet that anyone bold enough to say such things probably makes poor choices about a lot of things that come out of their mouths. It's probably not a unique phenomenon and therefore has little to do with the military family situation: let's not dignify it with a response.
For a few weeks now, I've seen this article floating around. I have to say, while I kind of understand what this girl is talking about, I find her responses snarky, inappropriate, and unfair. However, it also made me think seriously about the way I react to the comments she lists and I stand convicted. Take a minute to read it, see what you think. I'll wait.
With only a few trips under our belt and our first deployment just now upon us, some may find me under-qualified to speak on this subject. #1, those people are entitled to their opinion, #2, while we've not been through several deployments, I have still been on the receiving end of several of these and similar comments after simply telling someone my husband is in the military. The common responses I get in military-related conversation are, "oh, so how long has your husband been in the army?" "Only 3 months?! That's nothing!" and the very popular, "oh yea, my husband goes away for business all the time, I understand/it's not that different/etc."
While it's easy and perhaps even natural for my blood pressure to rise upon hearing the last two especially, I have to remember how little the general public knows about our lifestyle. Furthermore, I cannot and should not expect them to know because, brace yourselves, the Earth does not revolve around me. Or the military. On one hand, that person could be trying to make me feel better by trying to make me feel not so different. And sure, I have gotten the occasional tone that clearly suggested I was being ridiculous for thinking my situation felt different than the norm. I could spend 20 minutes explaining to them that, while my husband only leaves for 3 months at a time, his tempo will add up to at least 260 days away from home per year, every year, until needs of the military change or until he gets transferred to a different job. (In the spirit of transparency: I've done this. Several times. In hindsight, it probably sounded like the pity party of the century.) I could justify all the ways in which I feel that sending your husband off to the desert for 3 months and sending him to California for 3 weeks are vastly different. But what's the point of going through all that? To get them to feel sorry for me? What about forcing that down their throats is going to serve me well or make me look like a dignified human being?
More to the point, I find that the vast majority of the responses and comments that this young lady lists come out of a very pure and genuine desire to say something respectful and sympathetic. As such, they do not deserve the attitude she fires back at them. What is so offensive about someone saying, "wow, you must miss him," or "how do you do it, I don't think I could." Please, ladies, think about how much you knew about the military before you married into it. If, like me, you didn't grow up around it, you probably would have said the same things. It is only natural for people to use their own experiences as a filter for understanding yours. If the goal of this article is to educate and inform so as to not feel so misunderstood, she took the wrong approach. If I had read this 4 years ago, before I could identify with the author, I would have felt resentful that my well-meaning comments were so ungraciously received without the benefit of the doubt. Such a reaction only alienates us further and paints us in a very pretentious, entitled light. I've always felt that no one has the right to demand respect; respect is earned. This article demands respect (along with an unreasonable depth of understanding) on behalf of all military wives and does so in a very disrespectful way. I, for one, do not want to be one of the wives she speaks for.
I know several of us have that voice in our heads when we read articles like this. The one that says, "Yea! You tell 'em!" But please, before you allow that to take over, think about what message you're sending. These comments come from uninformed and mostly well-meaning people. Do you want them to learn that we are a gracious, humble group of supportive women or do you want to educate them to believe that we're entitled and bitter that we don't get the respect our service members do? Furthermore, think of the veteran spouses you know: how do you think they respond to comments like these? I don't know about you, but the attitude I read in the author's tone and the initial feeling I feel when reading it are both fairly immature and hot-headed. I've been fortunate enough to meet many "career spouses" and I can think of very few, if any, who would respond in the way this young lady did.
And for the comments and responses she listed that are CLEARLY hateful/ignorant/just downright ridiculous and rude, I would bet that anyone bold enough to say such things probably makes poor choices about a lot of things that come out of their mouths. It's probably not a unique phenomenon and therefore has little to do with the military family situation: let's not dignify it with a response.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Hot Off the Press: A Month Full of Updates
Well, another month has flown by-- but not without leaving it's mark.
The Good:
We attended the Art of Marriage Conference at our church last weekend. What an awesome ministry! The teaching was so relevant and challenging to us and it provided another opportunity to get involved by serving in the church. I spent the week leading up to the conference helping plan and organize the event; oh how fulfilling it was to use my talents and skills for such a worthy purpose.
The (not so) Bad:
Weather here is breaking news. No seriously. For almost an entire week, the news would begin with "(insert tragic event that happened in Philadelphia today, for which we have very few details)....but first, the breaking news is, once again, the AccuWeather Forecast." It is a common misconception that New Jersey gets snowfall in quantities similar to our home state of Michigan. Oh no, my friends. The temperatures here barely dip below freezing, and when they do you'd think NJers are afraid of immediate onset frostbite. It has snowed 5 times (maybe?!), but each 5-10'' snowfall was treated like a snowpocalypse of epic proportions. The fear is so strong that the entire base shut down and Eric did not have to go to work on two or three occasions. Granted, because they rarely get snow, they do not have the equipment (or plowing expertise!) to handle it. But still. It's pretty comical to these self-proclaimed Lake Effect Snow Warriors. After the first snowfall we thoroughly shoveled and liberally salted our driveway, expecting (like any snow-savvy midwesterner would) a regular dusting at the very least. We were amazed to see we were the only ones taking such precautions; no one else in the neighborhood bothered. The next day we figured out why: it. all. melted. And did not come back for another month. We probably looked like overzealous fools!
The Ugly:
Appendicitis paid me a visit; what an unexpected treat! As a result, I spent a lot of quality time with my cozy couch. Thank the Lord for the creators of Kindle and Netflix. I'm finally reaching the point where I can once again cook dinner and clean my house and carry a basket of laundry-- all in one day! Seriously though, they told me it wouldn't be a very long recovery. Turns out that my definition and the doctors' definition of "long" are different. I want my house back in order and I think the "milk it for all it's worth" period is long over where my handsome caretaker is concerned. Oh well, he was a great nurse while it lasted!
The Good:
We attended the Art of Marriage Conference at our church last weekend. What an awesome ministry! The teaching was so relevant and challenging to us and it provided another opportunity to get involved by serving in the church. I spent the week leading up to the conference helping plan and organize the event; oh how fulfilling it was to use my talents and skills for such a worthy purpose.
The (not so) Bad:
Weather here is breaking news. No seriously. For almost an entire week, the news would begin with "(insert tragic event that happened in Philadelphia today, for which we have very few details)....but first, the breaking news is, once again, the AccuWeather Forecast." It is a common misconception that New Jersey gets snowfall in quantities similar to our home state of Michigan. Oh no, my friends. The temperatures here barely dip below freezing, and when they do you'd think NJers are afraid of immediate onset frostbite. It has snowed 5 times (maybe?!), but each 5-10'' snowfall was treated like a snowpocalypse of epic proportions. The fear is so strong that the entire base shut down and Eric did not have to go to work on two or three occasions. Granted, because they rarely get snow, they do not have the equipment (or plowing expertise!) to handle it. But still. It's pretty comical to these self-proclaimed Lake Effect Snow Warriors. After the first snowfall we thoroughly shoveled and liberally salted our driveway, expecting (like any snow-savvy midwesterner would) a regular dusting at the very least. We were amazed to see we were the only ones taking such precautions; no one else in the neighborhood bothered. The next day we figured out why: it. all. melted. And did not come back for another month. We probably looked like overzealous fools!
The Ugly:
Appendicitis paid me a visit; what an unexpected treat! As a result, I spent a lot of quality time with my cozy couch. Thank the Lord for the creators of Kindle and Netflix. I'm finally reaching the point where I can once again cook dinner and clean my house and carry a basket of laundry-- all in one day! Seriously though, they told me it wouldn't be a very long recovery. Turns out that my definition and the doctors' definition of "long" are different. I want my house back in order and I think the "milk it for all it's worth" period is long over where my handsome caretaker is concerned. Oh well, he was a great nurse while it lasted!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Laundry List I Like
As we continue to find our groove in the new place, I am often overwhelmed with gratitude for the grace and blessings showered on us thus far. When I'm having a "meh" day, these are the things I think of:
The Voyage: After an overly-eventful move to Del Rio from Michigan, and a wild trip home for Christmas last year, I still look back on our trip from Del Rio to New Jersey and marvel at how wonderfully boring it was! This was phenomenal because, on top of traveling much further, we graduated from a 10' truck for our first move to a 26' truck for this one, and we towed our new car on the back. While it was a bit more expensive than we had hoped, we, and our stuff, made it entirely unscathed. And those who've moved several times know that "miraculous" is the only word to describe the fact that none of our household goods broke en route!
The Move-In: The dream house I scouted out while we were still in Del Rio disappeared off the market when we got here. (It was a long shot to begin with; they were selling, we wanted to rent.) We had high hopes for base housing; they were quickly deflated. With just 5 days to move in somewhere before Eric had to go to training, the dream house fell into our lap. And they were wanting to rent! Not only that, but Eric was also able to move his training dates back a few days to help me move in. Our house is wonderful, the landlords are amazing, and the neighborhood is ideal.
THE PEOPLE!: I can't say enough about the amazing people we've met here thus far. I didn't realize how "homey" Del Rio felt until I was here--in a new house, in a new place, over a holiday--alone. Between the awesome couples in our squadron and the amazing people we've gotten to know at church, we continue to meet incredible people. Having learned in Del Rio that the people, not the place, make the experience, we are so excited about our new friendships here. This is sure to be a memorable 4 years.
The Church: We look forward to church every Sunday; the messages are relevant, the music is wonderful, and the people are genuine. To us, the best church is one where you feel that the people you meet on Sunday are the same people Monday-Saturday. The best church is one where you feel welcome and inspired. And the best church can be hard to find, especially when you're new to the area. We planned on visiting several churches for several weeks each to get a feel for each one. Our plan was clearly not God's plan. We felt at home from the moment we walked in the front door of the first church on the list. We knew this place was for us. Thank God for His leading, because the people we met there that first week were so wonderful to me while Eric was gone in the following weeks. There's just nothing like a church family.
Our Families: I could bore you for hours with how thankful I am for my family. I'm biased, but I think they're some of the coolest, smartest, most fun people on the planet. I grew up with very supportive parents and unique, fun siblings to hang out with and learn from. I'm also thankful for Eric's family. As a newlywed, the nightmare-ish in-law stories are endless. Thank God I don't have one of those stories to tell! I love them as my own family; they're genuine, fun, so comfortable to be around, and respectful of our relationship (something so many people don't have in their in-laws). And they all live in the same city! We are so blessed to have such a strong foundation of support.
And, on a personal note,
My Husband: Some days I get restless when I'm home. Alone. All day. Without a car. (We only have one.) But then I remind myself how lucky I am that we can afford for me not work. I also remember that it will be such a blessing to our marriage to have flexible hours when he is constantly coming and going. Sure, it's not always comfortable, but we do it, and the lessons we're learning about teamwork and financial management are invaluable. For me, working just for a paycheck is not worth it (unless we truly need the money, but then I'm not just working for a paycheck; I'm working to help support our family, which is always worthwhile). I want to work for fulfillment. I want to work to make a difference. I'm so blessed to have a husband that puts in long hours almost every day, fulfilling his dreams, defending our country, supporting us, and affording me the opportunity to seek work that inspires me. Furthermore, I'm so blessed that he understands and supports me in every way, including my choice to seek only those opportunities that mean something to me or others, paid or not. He shares my feeling that while money is necessary for living comfortably, it does nothing for the soul. And in these times of greed and gluttony, that's a rare point of view. I'm so thankful we're on the same page.
What are you thankful for? As cliche as it is, sometimes getting out of a funk is as easy as counting your blessings. I know this new year will bring lots of excitement, and with several missions and a first deployment on the horizon, some sizable trials. If 2010 taught me anything, it was that the mountain is never as tall as you think it is, and even "faith as small as a mustard seed" can make the climb easier and more often than not, enjoyable. For 2011, a mustard seed isn't enough for me; I'm planting a garden.
The Voyage: After an overly-eventful move to Del Rio from Michigan, and a wild trip home for Christmas last year, I still look back on our trip from Del Rio to New Jersey and marvel at how wonderfully boring it was! This was phenomenal because, on top of traveling much further, we graduated from a 10' truck for our first move to a 26' truck for this one, and we towed our new car on the back. While it was a bit more expensive than we had hoped, we, and our stuff, made it entirely unscathed. And those who've moved several times know that "miraculous" is the only word to describe the fact that none of our household goods broke en route!
The Move-In: The dream house I scouted out while we were still in Del Rio disappeared off the market when we got here. (It was a long shot to begin with; they were selling, we wanted to rent.) We had high hopes for base housing; they were quickly deflated. With just 5 days to move in somewhere before Eric had to go to training, the dream house fell into our lap. And they were wanting to rent! Not only that, but Eric was also able to move his training dates back a few days to help me move in. Our house is wonderful, the landlords are amazing, and the neighborhood is ideal.
THE PEOPLE!: I can't say enough about the amazing people we've met here thus far. I didn't realize how "homey" Del Rio felt until I was here--in a new house, in a new place, over a holiday--alone. Between the awesome couples in our squadron and the amazing people we've gotten to know at church, we continue to meet incredible people. Having learned in Del Rio that the people, not the place, make the experience, we are so excited about our new friendships here. This is sure to be a memorable 4 years.
The Church: We look forward to church every Sunday; the messages are relevant, the music is wonderful, and the people are genuine. To us, the best church is one where you feel that the people you meet on Sunday are the same people Monday-Saturday. The best church is one where you feel welcome and inspired. And the best church can be hard to find, especially when you're new to the area. We planned on visiting several churches for several weeks each to get a feel for each one. Our plan was clearly not God's plan. We felt at home from the moment we walked in the front door of the first church on the list. We knew this place was for us. Thank God for His leading, because the people we met there that first week were so wonderful to me while Eric was gone in the following weeks. There's just nothing like a church family.
Our Families: I could bore you for hours with how thankful I am for my family. I'm biased, but I think they're some of the coolest, smartest, most fun people on the planet. I grew up with very supportive parents and unique, fun siblings to hang out with and learn from. I'm also thankful for Eric's family. As a newlywed, the nightmare-ish in-law stories are endless. Thank God I don't have one of those stories to tell! I love them as my own family; they're genuine, fun, so comfortable to be around, and respectful of our relationship (something so many people don't have in their in-laws). And they all live in the same city! We are so blessed to have such a strong foundation of support.
And, on a personal note,
My Husband: Some days I get restless when I'm home. Alone. All day. Without a car. (We only have one.) But then I remind myself how lucky I am that we can afford for me not work. I also remember that it will be such a blessing to our marriage to have flexible hours when he is constantly coming and going. Sure, it's not always comfortable, but we do it, and the lessons we're learning about teamwork and financial management are invaluable. For me, working just for a paycheck is not worth it (unless we truly need the money, but then I'm not just working for a paycheck; I'm working to help support our family, which is always worthwhile). I want to work for fulfillment. I want to work to make a difference. I'm so blessed to have a husband that puts in long hours almost every day, fulfilling his dreams, defending our country, supporting us, and affording me the opportunity to seek work that inspires me. Furthermore, I'm so blessed that he understands and supports me in every way, including my choice to seek only those opportunities that mean something to me or others, paid or not. He shares my feeling that while money is necessary for living comfortably, it does nothing for the soul. And in these times of greed and gluttony, that's a rare point of view. I'm so thankful we're on the same page.
What are you thankful for? As cliche as it is, sometimes getting out of a funk is as easy as counting your blessings. I know this new year will bring lots of excitement, and with several missions and a first deployment on the horizon, some sizable trials. If 2010 taught me anything, it was that the mountain is never as tall as you think it is, and even "faith as small as a mustard seed" can make the climb easier and more often than not, enjoyable. For 2011, a mustard seed isn't enough for me; I'm planting a garden.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Philippians 4:19
I think it's safe to speak for many when I say that sometimes military families just want to feel "normal". We want to get involved in the community, pretend we'll be here forever (that is, if we like it), and blend in. But due to the obvious, that's hard. Hard, because it's also very important to some to feel supported and understood in how our daily life operates. Not every non-military person understands or agrees with my reasons for not working right now; few fellow military spouses will question it. On top of that, so many non-military people try to "understand", but rather than simply listening, their way of "understanding" is attempting to identify in ways they just can't. Unless it is carefully said and appropriately applied, "oh, everyone goes through something like that" does not often make me feel less different from a non-mil person; it only minimizes my feelings, as well-intentioned as it may be. To be clear, this does not only pertain to the challenges but also the privileges of our unique lives. Such a communicative divide creates an admittedly self-inflicted, but seemingly unavoidable in-group, out-group situation, an "us and them" sort of relationship with everyone. Sometimes you prefer "us" for identification and support, and sometimes you want "them" to help you feel like you're still appreciated by--and part of--the rest of the world.
And yet...
Last Friday I helped decorate the church for Christmas. Have I expressed how WONDERFUL the people are there?! My first week in town a nice family at church invited me to Thanksgiving because they heard I'd be alone. And while decking the halls, another amazing woman I'm getting to know (we'll call her Jenny) showed me that while there are sometimes clearly-drawn lines between mil and non-mil, the right kind of friendships can transcend those lines and make one feel totally appreciated, understood, and valued-- independent of the labels.
Jenny had military friends who do the exact same job Eric does, but she still wanted to hear about our experience. She did not once claim to "get it" or say that she "totally understands", even though she has heard the same story several times before. She showed such genuine interest in our lifestyle, our first year of marriage, and how I personally am doing in this whole new world. This meant more to me than I could've known before our conversation started. I didn't even know I was needing that kind of personal attention! Most meaningful to me was that, while she acknowledged that Eric and I are a team, she made it clear that she specifically wanted to know how I was handling all the craziness of the past year. So often people focus on how cool the job is, all the incredible stuff and hard work that goes on in Eric's day-to-day, and simply forget that we are individuals as well. That the "support staff" has a life and interests and feelings that don't pertain to the Air Force bubble. That after all, while it may be more consuming than some, this is one person's career; there is another person involved and there are still many other facets to our life, just like that of anyone else. (Thankfully, my husband is most definitely not one of those people.) Don't get me wrong; I have, for the most part, enjoyed being Eric's answering service and main source of Eric-related updates (hey, I'm very proud of him, too!), but it was incredibly refreshing to have someone ask about me. Maybe this all sounds quite selfish, but even Eric notices people's lack of awareness where I'm concerned. He's often hyper-aware of keeping conversation on "us" and not just "him" when catching up with old friends and extended family. He did not even like that his graduation picture is on our Christmas card this year! I told him he was being ridiculous. :) (Did I mention how blessed I am to have such a considerate, tuned-in teammate?!)
By the end of our conversation, it was clear to Jenny and I that our impromptu girl-talk was definitely "a God thing". And oh, how awesome it was to randomly connect with another Christian woman like that!! She and her husband invited Eric and I on a double-date to their favorite spots in Philly, and she offered to use her contacts to help me come up with creative ways to work and find fulfillment outside of the conventional 9-5. Jenny was God's way of showing me that He is paying attention, He knows what I need, and He will provide. Friends, jobs, contentment, value-- He's got it all covered. I left feeling a little ashamed of my lacking faith and grateful for yet more grace and for a wonderful new friend. Through Jenny, God showed me that while we all have differences, the labels are optional and the lines are drawn in pencil. And He is capable of removing both.
And yet...
Last Friday I helped decorate the church for Christmas. Have I expressed how WONDERFUL the people are there?! My first week in town a nice family at church invited me to Thanksgiving because they heard I'd be alone. And while decking the halls, another amazing woman I'm getting to know (we'll call her Jenny) showed me that while there are sometimes clearly-drawn lines between mil and non-mil, the right kind of friendships can transcend those lines and make one feel totally appreciated, understood, and valued-- independent of the labels.
Jenny had military friends who do the exact same job Eric does, but she still wanted to hear about our experience. She did not once claim to "get it" or say that she "totally understands", even though she has heard the same story several times before. She showed such genuine interest in our lifestyle, our first year of marriage, and how I personally am doing in this whole new world. This meant more to me than I could've known before our conversation started. I didn't even know I was needing that kind of personal attention! Most meaningful to me was that, while she acknowledged that Eric and I are a team, she made it clear that she specifically wanted to know how I was handling all the craziness of the past year. So often people focus on how cool the job is, all the incredible stuff and hard work that goes on in Eric's day-to-day, and simply forget that we are individuals as well. That the "support staff" has a life and interests and feelings that don't pertain to the Air Force bubble. That after all, while it may be more consuming than some, this is one person's career; there is another person involved and there are still many other facets to our life, just like that of anyone else. (Thankfully, my husband is most definitely not one of those people.) Don't get me wrong; I have, for the most part, enjoyed being Eric's answering service and main source of Eric-related updates (hey, I'm very proud of him, too!), but it was incredibly refreshing to have someone ask about me. Maybe this all sounds quite selfish, but even Eric notices people's lack of awareness where I'm concerned. He's often hyper-aware of keeping conversation on "us" and not just "him" when catching up with old friends and extended family. He did not even like that his graduation picture is on our Christmas card this year! I told him he was being ridiculous. :) (Did I mention how blessed I am to have such a considerate, tuned-in teammate?!)
By the end of our conversation, it was clear to Jenny and I that our impromptu girl-talk was definitely "a God thing". And oh, how awesome it was to randomly connect with another Christian woman like that!! She and her husband invited Eric and I on a double-date to their favorite spots in Philly, and she offered to use her contacts to help me come up with creative ways to work and find fulfillment outside of the conventional 9-5. Jenny was God's way of showing me that He is paying attention, He knows what I need, and He will provide. Friends, jobs, contentment, value-- He's got it all covered. I left feeling a little ashamed of my lacking faith and grateful for yet more grace and for a wonderful new friend. Through Jenny, God showed me that while we all have differences, the labels are optional and the lines are drawn in pencil. And He is capable of removing both.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
All I Want For Christmas...
The tree is up, the house is decorated (and nearing completely unpacked status!), and the Christmas season is in full swing. There's a lot to look forward to this year, too. Tomorrow is the squadron Christmas party--our first ever "real Air Force" function! (After a year in the transient training world, it's exciting to be included in the "Permanent Party Club".)
We're also really looking forward to going home for Christmas, even if only for two days. (Yea, two. Not including the 24 hours of driving involved. We might be insane.) We love our new home, our new town, etc., but not having established relationships here yet makes the the idea of spending the holidays with family even more exciting.
I think everyone struggles with something, especially after a big move. For some, it's getting organized or lacking routine; for others, it's finding purpose in a new place. For me, it's establishing relationships. Okay, maybe I struggle with all of those things, but relationships are the hardest. Much unlike my social butterfly pilot (who also has a built-in social network of sorts), I'm terrible at it. I always have been. (If you haven't caught the hint, this is about to get very vulnerable; there, you've been warned.) Despite what many people perceive, I am extremely self-conscious and socially insecure. Especially when it comes to making girl friends. I want to have friends who understand me, who enjoy spending time with me, who come to me when they need someone to talk to. And I hate being new, so I want these BFFs right away. But in all of my "please get me!" nervousness, I go about earning this comradery by talking too much, sharing too soon, and totally freaking people out (or so it seems). Once I'm good and misunderstood, I proceed to guess the impression I made and analyze every social interaction ad nauseum until I am even more unsure of my likeability and no closer to having friends. Ugh; it's exhausting. All this lonely new kid business makes me so thankful for my family, my deep friendship with my husband and for the few close friends God has blessed me with. Not only do I value those relationships so much, but they also help me to know that, despite what I assume others' initial opinions of me may suggest, I actually do have a lot to offer a friend. (See, I told you I over-analyze.)
Dear Santa, I will practice not being a socially awkward weirdo if you will please bring me some friends for Christmas. Preferably ones who don't put all their eggs in the first impression basket; I sometimes need lots of do-overs.
We're also really looking forward to going home for Christmas, even if only for two days. (Yea, two. Not including the 24 hours of driving involved. We might be insane.) We love our new home, our new town, etc., but not having established relationships here yet makes the the idea of spending the holidays with family even more exciting.
I think everyone struggles with something, especially after a big move. For some, it's getting organized or lacking routine; for others, it's finding purpose in a new place. For me, it's establishing relationships. Okay, maybe I struggle with all of those things, but relationships are the hardest. Much unlike my social butterfly pilot (who also has a built-in social network of sorts), I'm terrible at it. I always have been. (If you haven't caught the hint, this is about to get very vulnerable; there, you've been warned.) Despite what many people perceive, I am extremely self-conscious and socially insecure. Especially when it comes to making girl friends. I want to have friends who understand me, who enjoy spending time with me, who come to me when they need someone to talk to. And I hate being new, so I want these BFFs right away. But in all of my "please get me!" nervousness, I go about earning this comradery by talking too much, sharing too soon, and totally freaking people out (or so it seems). Once I'm good and misunderstood, I proceed to guess the impression I made and analyze every social interaction ad nauseum until I am even more unsure of my likeability and no closer to having friends. Ugh; it's exhausting. All this lonely new kid business makes me so thankful for my family, my deep friendship with my husband and for the few close friends God has blessed me with. Not only do I value those relationships so much, but they also help me to know that, despite what I assume others' initial opinions of me may suggest, I actually do have a lot to offer a friend. (See, I told you I over-analyze.)
Dear Santa, I will practice not being a socially awkward weirdo if you will please bring me some friends for Christmas. Preferably ones who don't put all their eggs in the first impression basket; I sometimes need lots of do-overs.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Life 101: Growing Pains and the Pursuit of Happiness
Well, we're all moved in! The new place is beautiful, and after a year in Del Rio I'm still in a bit of shock over how much shopping is less than five miles from our front door! HomeGoods, Pottery Barn, clothing stores, and Starbucks! Mmmm, Vanilla Rooibos lattes. Needless to say, I may need to find a job sooner than later...
As Eric has been away since the beginning of the month, I've spent most of my time organizing and unpacking. (He left 5 days after move-in!) I can't wait to have him back so we can explore the area together. So far, I've found a great church, connected with the spouses group, and can navigate to all the essentials sans GPS. With amazing farmer's markets, outlet malls (with tax-free clothing shopping in NJ!!), Space A trips to Europe, and Philadelphia and NYC easily accessible, the next three years are guaranteed to hold a lot of fun!
With all the excitement of change, however, comes a healthy dose of stress. After a crazy couple months that included the end of UPT, graduation, and moving, Eric had to find the extra energy and stamina for a month of 'round-the-clock intense training in WA. I have had to unpack, get organized, and do all the ancillary tasks involved in establishing our life here on my own. Ah, the military life! For me, the magnitude of it all is starting to sink in. I'm sure several years and several moves from now my reaction to such chaos will more closely resemble that of the "all-in-a-day's-work" variety. As I experience more, I truly do admire the seasoned military wives who make these and more difficult adjustments so gracefully--and they do so with kids! For me, and for now, I've allowed myself to be overwhelmed for a minute. As someone who likes to be the best at everything I do, it has taken me a moment to be okay with not feeling 100% awesome and emotionally on top of it through all of the madness; I'd rather just handle it like someone who's done it 12 times already. The reality is I am inexperienced, so no one (but myself) is expecting me to handle it like a pro (and if they are, well, sorry to disappoint). Allowing myself to feel what I feel: Coping Skill #1. Exercise--Coping Skill #2. Whether it's the endorphins, or the complete, mind-clearing focus on physical exertion, working out really helps me feel like I can tackle the day with a positive, motivated attitude. Aside from the obvious health benefits, the improved body image is a nice bonus, too. Writing-- Coping Skill #3. Indulgent? Maybe; you decide. Helpful? Yep. So, if you're bored, feel free to stop reading.
Things I've learned in the last month:
-- Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. (Not that I wasn't quite fond before.)
-- We have too much stuff. (I can't imagine what adding kids will be like...)
-- I really don't like hanging things. (Thank goodness I have a handy husband.)
-- Beginnings are hard (but not impossible).
I've also learned--or more accurately, I'm still learning--where personal happiness comes from. And am I ever thankful I'm learning this one early! As a newlywed, it's easy and comfortable and oh-so-seemingly-romantic to wrap oneself up in her spouse, putting him at the top of her world. And to a certain extent it's pretty natural, and certainly common. Furthermore, for most, this can go on until one or both parties falls from Newlywed Cloud Nine and into what the marital vets call Life After The Honeymoon Phase. Not so in the military marriage; the lifestyle often requires that said pedestal-ed spouse be temporarily removed from your everyday existence. Before you have a chance to fall from newlywed heaven. Immediately after moving to a new town. Buh-bye, excitement/happiness/insert-positive-emotion-here. (Note: This is not to say that non-mil couples don't grow out of the "you complete me, you are my whole world" phase. I'm merely suggesting that this particular lesson is one that I would guess a lot of military couples learn earlier as a result of the chosen lifestyle.) Through this I'm learning that my husband, while I may feel him deserving of it, cannot be my #1. It should not and cannot be his responsibility to be the be-all, end-all of my daily life; can you say pressure?! While I've logically understood it for quite a long time, I've just begun feeling the necessity for God to be in that position in order to experience the contentedness, joy, and stress-free warm fuzzies that I enjoy in my husband's company. I will even go so far as to say that I thought I was putting God first--only to have it revealed to me that this is, in fact, not the case. To be clear: While I'm genuinely thankful for the opportunity to grow, I do not like this revelation. I do not like it at all. In all of our cutesy marital bliss, it is a total buzz-kill to take my unyielding focus off of Eric and hold him second to He who cannot hold my hand or kiss me goodnight. But alas, this is what is expected of me as a believer. It is hard, and it is definitely not an overnight shift. Which brings me to the next life lesson: how do I go about growing spiritually when I don't necessarily want to grow in that area, but know I need to? (Because let's be real, initially we like where we are better sometimes. I like putting Eric first; it's easy. And for right now, it's as fulfilling as I know "fulfilling" to be in some ways.) I've found the answer through a comment in passing made by a fellow military spouse I admire very much. Coincidentally, it's the same bit of biting wisdom my mom used to offer when I complained that I didn't like to do a particular chore: "Lucky for you, 'liking' it isn't a requirement; you don't have to like it, you just have to do it." Said another way, don't wait for emotions to motivate action; rather, take action to motivate emotion. Now I know there's some psychological study somewhere that discusses which of the two actually comes first, action or emotion. Regardless, in this case, I believe the following statement to be true: when you do what you know you're supposed to do, you'll eventually feel the way you're supposed to feel. I've lost count of how many life factors to which this truth applies--exercise, relationships, eating right, spiritual growth-- and yet, it's pervasiveness doesn't necessarily make it easier to implement. Thank God for prayer.
Along with all of this really heavy--valuable, but heavy--stuff, there are a few upsides to TDYs and deployments. First, the opportunity to grow as an individual. When you're left with only yourself all day, everyday, there's a lot of time to explore areas to improve and there is no one around to use as a distraction or an excuse. This can mean deep personal growth (see above) or simply seeking out a new hobby or passion. The latter is often initially motivated by the desire to keep busy while the hubby is away, but can end up serving the immediate personal purposes while adding a lot to the relationship later, as well. Case in point: I've really enjoyed making up new recipes, but want to learn more, so we're taking up cooking lessons! Also, it seems that TDYs and deployments come at just the right time. You know, that week that you're just irked by every little stupid thing: he forgot to take the garbage out again, he's chewing too loudly, you really do not want to watch the Military channel or the History channel. Just as you're getting on each others' nerves, poof! He's gone, and suddenly it's like you're in a long-distance dating relationship again! You can't seem to talk to each other enough, you're flirty and lovey and sweet on the phone, and there's the promise of an uber-romantic date night immediately upon his return. Yep, definitely looking forward to that date...and I kinda miss the loud chewing, too. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sweet Home, New Jersey!
We're heeeeeeere!!
We left Del Rio in our 26' moving truck with our car in tow on Friday, Oct. 8th. We spent Saturday with my mom, aunt and uncle, and the infamous Papaw in Forth Worth. Papaw took us to all of his favorite honky tonks in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and we two-stepped all night long....which made for a slow start on Sunday! We hit the road around 9:30am Sunday, determined to make it all the way to Michigan in one stretch. At about 8:30am, we rolled into Vicksburg so. incredibly. exhausted. After sleeping away most of the morning, we made our most anticipated stop of all--the cider mill! The rest of the week was spent eating delicious home-cooked meals and relaxing with our families. We also surprised my little sister at her volleyball game; the look on her face was priceless!! The greatest part about being back in Michigan--aside from spending time with our family and friends, of course--was discovering our appreciation for our beautiful state. Coming from Texas, we had forgotten how colorful and bright Michigan is, especially in the fall. It truly was the perfect time to visit; the leaves were gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the cool air was so refreshing after spending over a year under the hot blow-dryer that is a Texas "breeze". (Pictures of this portion of the trip will be up as soon as we get moved in!)
On the 16th, we had our belated wedding reception. I can't express enough how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to visit with all of the important people in our lives. We commented on our way out the next morning (which was another slow start!!) how we wished we could have had more time with each and every one of you. It was such a fun evening, with dancing, wonderful food, and great friends from so many places and times in our lives. And our parents deserve a huge thank you for all the work they put into throwing this party on some fairly short notice. We're lucky kids. :) (Look at some of the pictures from the party by clicking on "our photos" at the top right of the page! More to come...)
Sunday afternoon we hit the road again, tired but happy. Once again, we pushed through the night, arriving at McGuire a little after 5am. Whew...one all-nighter in one week is not so bad, but two?! I think I'm still recovering. We slept for a few hours before Eric had to get up for work and we had to find a place to live! After a couple days of trying to get a house on McGuire, we decided to look off base. We are so glad we did!! I found a house online when we first found out we were moving to McGuire, and I was in LOVE with it. When it came time to make appointments to see houses, however, it had disappeared. Three days ago, it magically popped up again in a random search I did, and I called the realtor. We saw the house that night, and we both loved it as much as I thought we might. I can't wait to post pictures once we're moved in! It's a nice townhome in a beautiful neighborhood near lots of shopping and restaurants. Also, no one in this area lets you have a pet when you rent, but the homeowner said he may allow it, depending on the breed. Yay! We're scheduled to move in on or before November 1st. Until then, we're in a very nice one bedroom apartment on base. Eric gets up and goes to work everyday and I apply for jobs. Once we move off base, we're going to have to get a second car very soon, so we're praying for the funds and the right opportunity to buy.
As far as the area goes, it is beautiful. Much like our corner of Michigan, there are lots of green fields and farms, beautiful trees, farmer's markets, pumpkin patches, and cider mills. The towns are about 25-30 minutes from base, and they are small and quaint until you get closer to Philadelphia. From what we can tell, the town we will be living in seems to be kind of like Portage with a lot more shopping. It is halfway between the base and Philly. It also neighbors Moorestown, Money Magazine's #1 place to live in 2005. Moorestown is home to lots of the Philadelphia sports stars, an adorable little downtown area, and a cool church we are going to check out this Sunday. There's also an awesome miniature golf place down the street from our house; we love mini golf for a cheap date night!! :)
Eric will be going to SERE and water survival in early November and he'll begin his training on what I like to call "the new mistress" in early December. (The old mistress was the motorcycle, the KC-10 has taken it's place.) He's like a 5 year-old every time they fly over us while we're driving on base. Hilarious! Next week he'll go up in the plane for the first time to watch all that goes on. I'm sure there will be stories! He is LOVING his new squadron. He comes home with new toys every day--flashlights, patches, boots, goggles, a silly-looking desert hat, all kinds of stuff! He tries it all on for me, of course. He brought me a new toy the other day, though--a Garmin! It's been pretty helpful in finding my way around the area, but I've discovered you still have to know a thing or two; that lady loves toll roads and scenic routes.
*I've set up a photo website for easier viewing of more pictures. In the top right corner of the blog, there's a link under "SEE PICTURES". That site will be updated almost as often as the blog, so after reading a new entry you can see the pictures and videos from the fun events you've just read about!
We left Del Rio in our 26' moving truck with our car in tow on Friday, Oct. 8th. We spent Saturday with my mom, aunt and uncle, and the infamous Papaw in Forth Worth. Papaw took us to all of his favorite honky tonks in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and we two-stepped all night long....which made for a slow start on Sunday! We hit the road around 9:30am Sunday, determined to make it all the way to Michigan in one stretch. At about 8:30am, we rolled into Vicksburg so. incredibly. exhausted. After sleeping away most of the morning, we made our most anticipated stop of all--the cider mill! The rest of the week was spent eating delicious home-cooked meals and relaxing with our families. We also surprised my little sister at her volleyball game; the look on her face was priceless!! The greatest part about being back in Michigan--aside from spending time with our family and friends, of course--was discovering our appreciation for our beautiful state. Coming from Texas, we had forgotten how colorful and bright Michigan is, especially in the fall. It truly was the perfect time to visit; the leaves were gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the cool air was so refreshing after spending over a year under the hot blow-dryer that is a Texas "breeze". (Pictures of this portion of the trip will be up as soon as we get moved in!)
On the 16th, we had our belated wedding reception. I can't express enough how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to visit with all of the important people in our lives. We commented on our way out the next morning (which was another slow start!!) how we wished we could have had more time with each and every one of you. It was such a fun evening, with dancing, wonderful food, and great friends from so many places and times in our lives. And our parents deserve a huge thank you for all the work they put into throwing this party on some fairly short notice. We're lucky kids. :) (Look at some of the pictures from the party by clicking on "our photos" at the top right of the page! More to come...)
Sunday afternoon we hit the road again, tired but happy. Once again, we pushed through the night, arriving at McGuire a little after 5am. Whew...one all-nighter in one week is not so bad, but two?! I think I'm still recovering. We slept for a few hours before Eric had to get up for work and we had to find a place to live! After a couple days of trying to get a house on McGuire, we decided to look off base. We are so glad we did!! I found a house online when we first found out we were moving to McGuire, and I was in LOVE with it. When it came time to make appointments to see houses, however, it had disappeared. Three days ago, it magically popped up again in a random search I did, and I called the realtor. We saw the house that night, and we both loved it as much as I thought we might. I can't wait to post pictures once we're moved in! It's a nice townhome in a beautiful neighborhood near lots of shopping and restaurants. Also, no one in this area lets you have a pet when you rent, but the homeowner said he may allow it, depending on the breed. Yay! We're scheduled to move in on or before November 1st. Until then, we're in a very nice one bedroom apartment on base. Eric gets up and goes to work everyday and I apply for jobs. Once we move off base, we're going to have to get a second car very soon, so we're praying for the funds and the right opportunity to buy.
As far as the area goes, it is beautiful. Much like our corner of Michigan, there are lots of green fields and farms, beautiful trees, farmer's markets, pumpkin patches, and cider mills. The towns are about 25-30 minutes from base, and they are small and quaint until you get closer to Philadelphia. From what we can tell, the town we will be living in seems to be kind of like Portage with a lot more shopping. It is halfway between the base and Philly. It also neighbors Moorestown, Money Magazine's #1 place to live in 2005. Moorestown is home to lots of the Philadelphia sports stars, an adorable little downtown area, and a cool church we are going to check out this Sunday. There's also an awesome miniature golf place down the street from our house; we love mini golf for a cheap date night!! :)
Eric will be going to SERE and water survival in early November and he'll begin his training on what I like to call "the new mistress" in early December. (The old mistress was the motorcycle, the KC-10 has taken it's place.) He's like a 5 year-old every time they fly over us while we're driving on base. Hilarious! Next week he'll go up in the plane for the first time to watch all that goes on. I'm sure there will be stories! He is LOVING his new squadron. He comes home with new toys every day--flashlights, patches, boots, goggles, a silly-looking desert hat, all kinds of stuff! He tries it all on for me, of course. He brought me a new toy the other day, though--a Garmin! It's been pretty helpful in finding my way around the area, but I've discovered you still have to know a thing or two; that lady loves toll roads and scenic routes.
*I've set up a photo website for easier viewing of more pictures. In the top right corner of the blog, there's a link under "SEE PICTURES". That site will be updated almost as often as the blog, so after reading a new entry you can see the pictures and videos from the fun events you've just read about!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Logical Understanding Meets TRUE Understanding
We received orders yesterday; let the madness begin. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY excited. Excited to move nearer to family. Excited to settle somewhere for longer than a year. Excited to see Eric start doing what he's been training to do for the last 13 months. I'm also outrageously overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by the thought of packing my entire house and leaving by Oct. 12. Overwhelmed that we don't have a place to live in Jersey. Overwhelmed that, amidst all of this excitement, there's MORE--family will be here tomorrow to celebrate graduation. Yep, while my house is half-packed and my brain is half-fried by mental to-do lists a mile long.
But never fear, after years of waiting for me to figure it out myself, God gave me a swift kick in the pants this morning at Bible study.
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.... Ephesians 3:20-21
I first studied Ephesians 3:20-21 at the Iowa Youth Connection convention when I was in high school. The teaching was incredible and relevant and inspiring. Consequently, it's been my favorite verse since then. I loved the thought of God being able to do more than anything I could even wrap my mind around. To think that His plan for my life is so big that it wouldn't even fit in my head excited me. And the best part: not only CAN He do it, He is WILLING to...for me! That said, I realized this morning that I still unwittingly respond to God the same way the four-year-old me responded to my mom when she would offer to tie my shoes: "I do it myself!"
In short, as I contentedly listened to Priscilla Shirer talk about what I (before this morning) proudly referred to as my "all-time favorite verse", I reflected on how much time has passed since I first heard this verse and how amazing it is that it's still the one that speaks loudest to me. And two seconds after that I thought, wait a second, ...that's kinda pathetic! I immediately got a mental image of God laying Ephesians 3:20 on my heart at 14 years old and-- fast-forward 9 years-- banging His head against the wall because I still have yet to do anything with it. Therein lies my epiphany: God made that verse stick out to me at 14 for a reason! Shouldn't I have learned a lesson from it and moved on to another "all-time favorite verse" by now? I have marveled over God's power, His limitless love, His plan that is "exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think" for years. The realization of those truths moves me. I get that He is able. I get that He is willing. I get it. Logically, that is. But what about spiritually? I can wrap my mind around the fact that I can't wrap my mind around God's giant, amazing, perfect plan for me...but have I wrapped my heart around it? Have I truly internalized the fact that God is wanting, WAITING, to do "exceedingly, abundantly beyond..." for me? Clearly not, because here I am ripping my hair out at the thought of house-hunting and cleaning and packing and entertaining all at the same time; I haven't even thought to ask for something as simple as stress-relief, let alone a grand life plan. I'm humbled (and slightly ashamed) by my lacking faith in a season of life when I need it more than usual. How can I expect to receive the blessings God has in store for me-- the career paths, the relationships, the joy and security found only in His love-- if I can't even confidently hand Him my cardboard boxes and packing tape and ask him to make the way to New Jersey smooth?
It's amazing to me how many times we must fail at trying to do so much on our own before we truly hear God's standing offer to help and finally take him up on it. Sometimes it's a matter of not wanting to bother Him with the little things; we don't want to exhaust His almighty power with silly business...but get this! The book of Genesis tells us that God simply spoke the world into existence. But in Ephesians 3:20, Paul uses the Greek word "dutimous" to refer to God's power, meaning explosive or dynamic. THAT is "the power that is at work within us"-- explosive, dynamic power. Where am I going with this? God merely talked to form the world...but He has dynamite power ready for you and I to tap into at any time. ANY time. For ANYthing. Power to pack boxes. Power to enjoy the moment despite that to-do list. Do you get it? God has given us more of His power and energy than He Himself exerted in creating the entire world. Further than that, He expects us to use it, all the time. He numbered the hairs on our heads, people (Matthew 10:30)--every little thing that concerns us, concerns God, too. This morning I FINALLY got it through my thick, stubborn head: my packing isn't too insignificant for God. Neither is my fear that I'll let stress overtake what should be a wonderful weekend with family. He cares about these things because I care about these things, and He will use that dynamite power to bust through all of these obstacles as soon as I ask. So I'm going to go do that...and while I'm at it I think it's about time I apologize for His wicked headache.
But never fear, after years of waiting for me to figure it out myself, God gave me a swift kick in the pants this morning at Bible study.
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.... Ephesians 3:20-21
I first studied Ephesians 3:20-21 at the Iowa Youth Connection convention when I was in high school. The teaching was incredible and relevant and inspiring. Consequently, it's been my favorite verse since then. I loved the thought of God being able to do more than anything I could even wrap my mind around. To think that His plan for my life is so big that it wouldn't even fit in my head excited me. And the best part: not only CAN He do it, He is WILLING to...for me! That said, I realized this morning that I still unwittingly respond to God the same way the four-year-old me responded to my mom when she would offer to tie my shoes: "I do it myself!"
In short, as I contentedly listened to Priscilla Shirer talk about what I (before this morning) proudly referred to as my "all-time favorite verse", I reflected on how much time has passed since I first heard this verse and how amazing it is that it's still the one that speaks loudest to me. And two seconds after that I thought, wait a second, ...that's kinda pathetic! I immediately got a mental image of God laying Ephesians 3:20 on my heart at 14 years old and-- fast-forward 9 years-- banging His head against the wall because I still have yet to do anything with it. Therein lies my epiphany: God made that verse stick out to me at 14 for a reason! Shouldn't I have learned a lesson from it and moved on to another "all-time favorite verse" by now? I have marveled over God's power, His limitless love, His plan that is "exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think" for years. The realization of those truths moves me. I get that He is able. I get that He is willing. I get it. Logically, that is. But what about spiritually? I can wrap my mind around the fact that I can't wrap my mind around God's giant, amazing, perfect plan for me...but have I wrapped my heart around it? Have I truly internalized the fact that God is wanting, WAITING, to do "exceedingly, abundantly beyond..." for me? Clearly not, because here I am ripping my hair out at the thought of house-hunting and cleaning and packing and entertaining all at the same time; I haven't even thought to ask for something as simple as stress-relief, let alone a grand life plan. I'm humbled (and slightly ashamed) by my lacking faith in a season of life when I need it more than usual. How can I expect to receive the blessings God has in store for me-- the career paths, the relationships, the joy and security found only in His love-- if I can't even confidently hand Him my cardboard boxes and packing tape and ask him to make the way to New Jersey smooth?
It's amazing to me how many times we must fail at trying to do so much on our own before we truly hear God's standing offer to help and finally take him up on it. Sometimes it's a matter of not wanting to bother Him with the little things; we don't want to exhaust His almighty power with silly business...but get this! The book of Genesis tells us that God simply spoke the world into existence. But in Ephesians 3:20, Paul uses the Greek word "dutimous" to refer to God's power, meaning explosive or dynamic. THAT is "the power that is at work within us"-- explosive, dynamic power. Where am I going with this? God merely talked to form the world...but He has dynamite power ready for you and I to tap into at any time. ANY time. For ANYthing. Power to pack boxes. Power to enjoy the moment despite that to-do list. Do you get it? God has given us more of His power and energy than He Himself exerted in creating the entire world. Further than that, He expects us to use it, all the time. He numbered the hairs on our heads, people (Matthew 10:30)--every little thing that concerns us, concerns God, too. This morning I FINALLY got it through my thick, stubborn head: my packing isn't too insignificant for God. Neither is my fear that I'll let stress overtake what should be a wonderful weekend with family. He cares about these things because I care about these things, and He will use that dynamite power to bust through all of these obstacles as soon as I ask. So I'm going to go do that...and while I'm at it I think it's about time I apologize for His wicked headache.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Military Spouses
I found this great essay from Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul. While I can't yet totally identify with everything the story says, I'm mentally preparing myself for the very near future when I will live every word of it. Many people who have little or no familiarity with the military don't know that it truly is more than the sacrifices of one person, but the sacrifices of a whole family, that allow us the freedoms we take for granted. (I know I didn't fully understand that before...) My respect for military families grows deeper and deeper as I meet more and more fellow spouses with years of "military life" experience. I couldn't be prouder to live this lifestyle and support my husband alongside the other wonderful, strong military wives I've met in the last year. Whether it's the constant moving or the necessity for flexibility at all times or the knowledge that your daily life is lived in service of something bigger than yourself, there really is something special about a military spouse. I hope I can live up to the title.
It was just another harried Wednesday afternoon trip to the commissary (grocery store on military bases). My husband was off teaching young men to fly. My daughters were going about their daily activities knowing I would return to them at the appointed time, bearing, among other things, their favorite fruit snacks, frozen pizza, and all the little extras that never had to be written down on a grocery list. My grocery list, by the way, was in my 16-month-old daughter's mouth, and I was lamenting the fact that the next four aisles of needed items would wait while extracting the last of my list from my daughter's mouth, when I nearly ran over an old man.
This man clearly had no appreciation for the fact that I had 45 minutes left to finish the grocery shopping, pick up my 4-year old from tumbling class, and get to school, where my 12-year-old and her carpool mates would be waiting.
I knew men didn't belong in a commissary, and this old guy was no exception. He stood in front of the soap selection staring blankly, as if he'd never had to choose a bar of soap in his life. I was ready to bark an order at him when I realized there was a tear on his face.
Instantly, this grocery aisle roadblock transformed into a human..."Can I help you find something?" I asked. He hesitated, and then told me he was looking for soap.
"Any one in particular?" I continued.
"Well, I'm trying to find my wife's brand of soap." I started to loan him my cell phone to call her when he said, "She died a year ago, and I just want to smell her again."
Chills ran down my spine. I don't think the 22,000-pound Mother of all Bombs could have had the same impact. As tears welled up in my eyes, my half-eaten grocery list didn't seem so important. Neither did fruit snacks or frozen pizza.
I spent the remainder of my time in the commissary that day listening to a man tell the story of how important his wife was to him -- how she took care of their children while he served our country. A retired, decorated World War II pilot who flew missions to protect Americans still needed the protection of a woman who served him at home.
My life was forever changed that day. Every time my husband works too late or leaves before the crack of dawn, I try to remember the sense of importance I felt that day in the commissary.
Some times the monotony of laundry, housecleaning, grocery shopping, and taxi driving leaves military wives feeling empty -- the kind of emptiness that is rarely fulfilled when our husbands come home and don't want to or can't talk about work.
We need to be reminded, at times; of the important role we fill for our family and for our country. Over the years, I've talked a lot about military spouses...how special they are and the price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing is; most military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses. They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence of what love truly is. Is there truly a difference? I think there is. You have to decide for yourself...
Other spouses get married and look forward to building equity in a home and putting down family roots. Military spouses get married and know they'll live in base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be transplanted frequently.
Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flare tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or same size rooms.
Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus. Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces.
Other spouses have living rooms that are immaculate and seldom used. Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a scratch or two moving from Germany, but it still looks pretty good.
Other spouses say goodbye to their spouse for a business trip and know they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive. Military spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know they won't see them for months, or a year, or longer. They are lonely, but will survive.
Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag and then write a check out for having the hose reconnected. Military spouses have to cut the water off and fix it themselves.
Other spouses get used to saying "hello" to friends they see all the time. Military spouses get used to saying "goodbye" to friends made the last two years.
Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be accepted in yet another school next year and whether that school will be the worst in the city...again.
Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special events...birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation, and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each other; because they realize that the flag has to come first if freedom is to survive. It has to be that way.
Other spouses put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away.
Other spouses worry about being late for mom's Thanksgiving dinner. Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for dad's funeral.
The television program showing an elderly lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on it touches other spouses. The card simply says, "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You would have been sixty today." A military spouse is the lady with the card, and the wall is the Vietnam Memorial.
I would NEVER say military spouses are better than other spouses. But I will say there is a difference. I will say, without hesitation, that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom as do their active duty husbands and wives.
Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to our country, and having to live without them.
God bless our military spouses for all they freely give.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Big Sexy
Dreams really do come true. We will be leaving sunny Del Rio, TX for a KC-10 at McGuire AFB in New Jersey!! First choice plane, first choice base.
We still have a lot to learn about the assignment and the plane (including WHEN we'll be leaving)..but here's what we know so far:
Plane: KC-10
Nicknames: Extender, Big Sexy, The Gucci Life
Pilot's nicknames: "Gucci boys"
Favorite Saying: "NKAWTG" (Nobody Kicks A** Without Tanker Gas!)
Size:
Length: 178.48ft (54.40m)
Width: 164.04ft (50.00m)
Height: 57.09ft (17.40m)
Empty Weight: 241,027lbs (109,328kg)
MTOW: 585,327lbs (265,500kg)
Performance:
Max Speed: 600mph (966kmh; 522kts)
Max Range: 4,369miles (7,032km)
Rate-of-Climb: 6,870ft/min (2,094m/min)
Service Ceiling: 41,755ft (12,727m; 7.9miles)
They call the 10 the "Gucci Life" because it is what the pilots like to call a "cushy" cockpit in a nice, large aircraft complete with a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping quarters for multiple crews. We've heard that due to its size, it can't land in smaller (read: yucky, dangerous) places. This means that when they have to land somewhere they apparently go to places like Spain and stay in 5 star hotels. Rough, right? There are only 50-something of them in the Air Force inventory, so it's a small, tight-knit community. Another bonus? It has two bases-McGuire and Travis. McGuire is an hour or two from NYC, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, Appalachian mountains, and Washington D.C. And of course, Jersey has FALL WEATHER!! Yeeehaw! Travis is in beautiful Northern California, right next to Napa Valley!
Drop Night was a blast; the jerseys turned out great!!
As you can imagine....Eric is THRILLED to be "passing gas"!!! (he's a pro already, ;) )
We still have a lot to learn about the assignment and the plane (including WHEN we'll be leaving)..but here's what we know so far:
Plane: KC-10
Nicknames: Extender, Big Sexy, The Gucci Life
Pilot's nicknames: "Gucci boys"
Favorite Saying: "NKAWTG" (Nobody Kicks A** Without Tanker Gas!)
Size:
Length: 178.48ft (54.40m)
Width: 164.04ft (50.00m)
Height: 57.09ft (17.40m)
Empty Weight: 241,027lbs (109,328kg)
MTOW: 585,327lbs (265,500kg)
Performance:
Max Speed: 600mph (966kmh; 522kts)
Max Range: 4,369miles (7,032km)
Rate-of-Climb: 6,870ft/min (2,094m/min)
Service Ceiling: 41,755ft (12,727m; 7.9miles)
They call the 10 the "Gucci Life" because it is what the pilots like to call a "cushy" cockpit in a nice, large aircraft complete with a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping quarters for multiple crews. We've heard that due to its size, it can't land in smaller (read: yucky, dangerous) places. This means that when they have to land somewhere they apparently go to places like Spain and stay in 5 star hotels. Rough, right? There are only 50-something of them in the Air Force inventory, so it's a small, tight-knit community. Another bonus? It has two bases-McGuire and Travis. McGuire is an hour or two from NYC, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, Appalachian mountains, and Washington D.C. And of course, Jersey has FALL WEATHER!! Yeeehaw! Travis is in beautiful Northern California, right next to Napa Valley!
Drop Night was a blast; the jerseys turned out great!!
As you can imagine....Eric is THRILLED to be "passing gas"!!! (he's a pro already, ;) )
Monday, September 13, 2010
T-5 days and counting!
We are less than 5 days away from knowing what the next 4 years hold. As you can imagine, the anticipation is palpable. While we do care (A LOT) about what plane we get and where we go, we know that regardless of what we get, God has a plan for us. It's awesome to know that whether He uses our desires or whether He sends us down a road we never expected to travel, we will be in for an exciting adventure of His choosing. And you can't go wrong there! Ah! Sooo exciting!!! Eric has two flights left in all of pilot training--a co-pilot ride and a checkride-- and then he gets to sit back and enjoy the celebration. (And I get to enjoy having him around more often!)
To pass the seemingly ever-slowing time, there has been many a coffee date, social hour, etc. The other wives/fiancées/girlfriends and I decided to participate in the spirit of drop night by making shirts that go with the theme the guys have chosen. So tomorrow everyone will be gathering at my house to put our "Team 10-15" jerseys together. I'm excited to see how they turn out and to have such a presence at drop; there are 13 of us! (That's A LOT for one class--the most spouses/significant others we've seen in one class is 8, and average is probably 4 or 5.) I am most excited that, despite some of the social drama of the past year, we are ending on a high note and coming together to celebrate our guys and have fun. Enjoying everyone's company again has been refreshing.
Time-out: Are you wondering what "Drop Night" is??
Drop Night is epic. It is the grande finale of all finales. It is a room full of excited boys (and a few girls) in fire-proof green pajamas, poking fun at the silly mistakes their classmates made throughout UPT and (in true male fashion) tackling each other out of pure--or feigned--elation upon hearing their assignments, while T-6 students look on in jealousy and eagerness for their turn someday.
It *usually* goes like this: one by one, the guys in the graduating class are stood up in front of a room full of current UPT students, guys waiting to start UPT, IPs, friends, commanders, etc. One of the IPs from their flight (remember, "flight" is pilot-speak for "class" or "team") roasts them, telling funny stories about stupid stuff they did during pilot training or highlighting their quirky personalities. Then, they say something like, "Let's see where powder-white Butler will be running for shade next..." and flash a picture of the plane they will fly and a map with a dot on it to show the base they will be moving to-- "It's a KC-10!.....to McGuire!!!" The crowd cheers and screams. And Butler, jumping up and down with his beer in hand, is tackled by a herd of belligerent flightmates. Yes, this does require a refill; often the glass is left hanging in mid-air, depending on the enthusiasm of the tackle.
OUR drop, however, will be different from any drop we've seen. Instead of the standard, boy-chooses-plane model, our class has decided to run it like an NFL draft, where plane-chooses-boy, much like a football team chooses a player. So, everyone will be roasted one by one. Then, they'll flash a random plane up on the screen and say something like, "The KC-10 chooses...(picture changes to one of Eric)...Lt. Butler!" And he'll run up to the front, where his IP will have a "jersey" that has a silhouette of his plane on it and the number 10 on the back. The guys will have no idea which plane is going to "choose" them. It's going to be fuuuun, and very different for the crowd...
Needless to say, our life is consumed by Drop/Graduation right now. If you want in on the anticipation/excitement/fun, send me a message or a text or a phone call and I'll put you on the "must contact" list. This list of people will get (at the very least) a text message shortly after we find out what Eric will be flying and where we will be going. But please don't expect a play-by-play until at least the next day; Drop Night is loud and crazy and lasts into the night if you're the drop class. We'll definitely want to tell you all about it, but probably not on Friday!
Ok, time to be productive...pray for our assignment, and for a quick week!! :)
To pass the seemingly ever-slowing time, there has been many a coffee date, social hour, etc. The other wives/fiancées/girlfriends and I decided to participate in the spirit of drop night by making shirts that go with the theme the guys have chosen. So tomorrow everyone will be gathering at my house to put our "Team 10-15" jerseys together. I'm excited to see how they turn out and to have such a presence at drop; there are 13 of us! (That's A LOT for one class--the most spouses/significant others we've seen in one class is 8, and average is probably 4 or 5.) I am most excited that, despite some of the social drama of the past year, we are ending on a high note and coming together to celebrate our guys and have fun. Enjoying everyone's company again has been refreshing.
Time-out: Are you wondering what "Drop Night" is??
Drop Night is epic. It is the grande finale of all finales. It is a room full of excited boys (and a few girls) in fire-proof green pajamas, poking fun at the silly mistakes their classmates made throughout UPT and (in true male fashion) tackling each other out of pure--or feigned--elation upon hearing their assignments, while T-6 students look on in jealousy and eagerness for their turn someday.
It *usually* goes like this: one by one, the guys in the graduating class are stood up in front of a room full of current UPT students, guys waiting to start UPT, IPs, friends, commanders, etc. One of the IPs from their flight (remember, "flight" is pilot-speak for "class" or "team") roasts them, telling funny stories about stupid stuff they did during pilot training or highlighting their quirky personalities. Then, they say something like, "Let's see where powder-white Butler will be running for shade next..." and flash a picture of the plane they will fly and a map with a dot on it to show the base they will be moving to-- "It's a KC-10!.....to McGuire!!!" The crowd cheers and screams. And Butler, jumping up and down with his beer in hand, is tackled by a herd of belligerent flightmates. Yes, this does require a refill; often the glass is left hanging in mid-air, depending on the enthusiasm of the tackle.
OUR drop, however, will be different from any drop we've seen. Instead of the standard, boy-chooses-plane model, our class has decided to run it like an NFL draft, where plane-chooses-boy, much like a football team chooses a player. So, everyone will be roasted one by one. Then, they'll flash a random plane up on the screen and say something like, "The KC-10 chooses...(picture changes to one of Eric)...Lt. Butler!" And he'll run up to the front, where his IP will have a "jersey" that has a silhouette of his plane on it and the number 10 on the back. The guys will have no idea which plane is going to "choose" them. It's going to be fuuuun, and very different for the crowd...
Needless to say, our life is consumed by Drop/Graduation right now. If you want in on the anticipation/excitement/fun, send me a message or a text or a phone call and I'll put you on the "must contact" list. This list of people will get (at the very least) a text message shortly after we find out what Eric will be flying and where we will be going. But please don't expect a play-by-play until at least the next day; Drop Night is loud and crazy and lasts into the night if you're the drop class. We'll definitely want to tell you all about it, but probably not on Friday!
Ok, time to be productive...pray for our assignment, and for a quick week!! :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
We're. Almost. There.
So, my posts are about to get really redundant, really fast. There, consider yourself warned.
We are approximately 16 days and 19 hours away from our destiny....but we're not really counting. We are so so so excited, and so so so ready to (hopefully) head somewhere much cooler than Del Rio. It's amazing how one can passionately despise clunky snow boots and car scrapers and thermometers that put (-) in front of the numbers for a whole 3 months...and after only one year in the fiery pits of He--I mean, Del Rio-- suddenly wish for it. And I don't mean the "I wish I had a pony" kind of wish....I mean, hang-up-fake-fall-leaves-and-buy-copious-amounts-of-pumpkin/apple orchard/cinnamon-scented-candles-kind of wish. This may suggest to you that I have way too much time on my hands. (Ok, so sometimes I do; don't judge.) HOWEVER. Eric has wholeheartedly jumped on my "take me somewhere cold" bandwagon. Truly, Anchorage, AK is sounding better and better with each sweaty day that passes. That said, should you we're happily accepting donations of fresh-pressed apple cider by the gallon in lieu of graduation gifts. ;)
Speaking of graduation--bring on the family! Ok, not yet, because I'm only sliiiightly stressed and a little intimidated by the thought of entertaining nine people in my home for the first time. And not just any nine people, but people whose opinions and impressions matter a LOT. Thankfully I've lived near the hostess extraordinaire (Grandma Jean) for the past year; hopefully she's rubbed off a little! We really are excited to have everyone here to see what we've been doing and where we've been living for the past year. Maybe they'll even get to try the taco stands!
After graduation, I will be going to see my friend Ashley in Cincinnati for 5 days (SO FUN!!!!), then hopping a train to Kalamazoo where Eric will join me and we'll spend a week with family. Alli just made the Hope College volleyball team, so we'll have the chance to see her play in their rivalry game against Calvin. I can't wait to see her new home and to watch her play!!! We'll also be having our wedding reception that weekend--finally! While our wedding was nothing less than a fairytale, the absence of our close friends and family friends was definitely felt, so we're so excited for the opportunity to celebrate with all of the important people in our lives!
Stay tuned...September 17 is the big day!!!
Birthday celebration in San Antonio: Paesano's, Swig, and shoe shopping :)
We are approximately 16 days and 19 hours away from our destiny....but we're not really counting. We are so so so excited, and so so so ready to (hopefully) head somewhere much cooler than Del Rio. It's amazing how one can passionately despise clunky snow boots and car scrapers and thermometers that put (-) in front of the numbers for a whole 3 months...and after only one year in the fiery pits of He--I mean, Del Rio-- suddenly wish for it. And I don't mean the "I wish I had a pony" kind of wish....I mean, hang-up-fake-fall-leaves-and-buy-copious-amounts-of-pumpkin/apple orchard/cinnamon-scented-candles-kind of wish. This may suggest to you that I have way too much time on my hands. (Ok, so sometimes I do; don't judge.) HOWEVER. Eric has wholeheartedly jumped on my "take me somewhere cold" bandwagon. Truly, Anchorage, AK is sounding better and better with each sweaty day that passes. That said, should you we're happily accepting donations of fresh-pressed apple cider by the gallon in lieu of graduation gifts. ;)
Speaking of graduation--bring on the family! Ok, not yet, because I'm only sliiiightly stressed and a little intimidated by the thought of entertaining nine people in my home for the first time. And not just any nine people, but people whose opinions and impressions matter a LOT. Thankfully I've lived near the hostess extraordinaire (Grandma Jean) for the past year; hopefully she's rubbed off a little! We really are excited to have everyone here to see what we've been doing and where we've been living for the past year. Maybe they'll even get to try the taco stands!
After graduation, I will be going to see my friend Ashley in Cincinnati for 5 days (SO FUN!!!!), then hopping a train to Kalamazoo where Eric will join me and we'll spend a week with family. Alli just made the Hope College volleyball team, so we'll have the chance to see her play in their rivalry game against Calvin. I can't wait to see her new home and to watch her play!!! We'll also be having our wedding reception that weekend--finally! While our wedding was nothing less than a fairytale, the absence of our close friends and family friends was definitely felt, so we're so excited for the opportunity to celebrate with all of the important people in our lives!
Stay tuned...September 17 is the big day!!!
Birthday celebration in San Antonio: Paesano's, Swig, and shoe shopping :)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Just Kidding...
So, upon gleaning more information, Eric has decided that his second choice assignment is now his first choice assignment. And it sounds pretty firm (for now). Thankfully, this is also at the top of my list, too! :)
It's A KC-10, a gas station in the sky that also does cargo missions. There are two possible assignments for this aircraft, California and New Jersey.
We would be excited about living on either coast; we'll be able to make trips to Napa Valley from Travis, and trips to NYC or home from McGuire! It would be cool to experience the different lifestyles on each coast.
45 days till we find out!! :)
It's A KC-10, a gas station in the sky that also does cargo missions. There are two possible assignments for this aircraft, California and New Jersey.
We would be excited about living on either coast; we'll be able to make trips to Napa Valley from Travis, and trips to NYC or home from McGuire! It would be cool to experience the different lifestyles on each coast.
45 days till we find out!! :)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!
7 WEEKS till we know whether we will stay or go!
Waaaait...did she just say "STAY"?!! Yep, lately, Eric's most consistent answer to the "what's your favorite assignment" question is staying at Laughlin for a 4 year assignment as an instructor pilot for the T-1. This also happens to be the assignment that no one wants--shocking, really. Who wouldn't want to be in Del Rio for as long as possible? Sarcasm. In all honesty though, we have truly learned that attitude is everything no matter where you go, but it is especially important in a place like this. With open minds, we have found plenty of reasons to enjoy being on the border--not the least of which are the delicious taco stands! :) My working full-time in town and our involvement in our church have really allowed us to connect to the community outside of the Air Force bubble. The other day, before leaving for their next assignment, some of our good friends told us that no matter where the military takes you, or how those moves force you to adapt, your experience is determined by your attitude. They couldn't be more right, and what a perfect place to learn that lesson and learn it early. So, while we would both like to see more of the country (or world!), if God wants us in Del Rio to train new pilots for a while, we will embrace it. (And we certainly can't deny the fact that Eric would make a fabulous instructor...)
Over the past month, we've spent a romantic weekend in Fredericksburg, TX tasting wines, window shopping, and enjoying each others' undivided attention.
We've seen good friends realize their dreams, said good-bye to others, and made new ones. And we've made some necessary changes. For one, I have left my job for a new, part-time position at a fun boutique in town. It was a tough decision, as I loved my team and the students I worked with, but it is for the best. I'm looking forward to having more time to support Eric in the ways I was able when I wasn't working. While I felt fulfilled and purposeful working full-time, I realized just how much I value my role at home and I can't wait to have a little more of that back.
Looking ahead, my little sis is coming to visit this week! We are SO excited to have her--there's nothing like having family around, even for a short time. We plan to show her the planes Eric flies, hang out at the pool, and go to the Drop Night on Friday so she can see what we will get to experience in just 7 short weeks.
And, as promised, here's a few pictures of the amazing Ranch we visited last month:
Waaaait...did she just say "STAY"?!! Yep, lately, Eric's most consistent answer to the "what's your favorite assignment" question is staying at Laughlin for a 4 year assignment as an instructor pilot for the T-1. This also happens to be the assignment that no one wants--shocking, really. Who wouldn't want to be in Del Rio for as long as possible? Sarcasm. In all honesty though, we have truly learned that attitude is everything no matter where you go, but it is especially important in a place like this. With open minds, we have found plenty of reasons to enjoy being on the border--not the least of which are the delicious taco stands! :) My working full-time in town and our involvement in our church have really allowed us to connect to the community outside of the Air Force bubble. The other day, before leaving for their next assignment, some of our good friends told us that no matter where the military takes you, or how those moves force you to adapt, your experience is determined by your attitude. They couldn't be more right, and what a perfect place to learn that lesson and learn it early. So, while we would both like to see more of the country (or world!), if God wants us in Del Rio to train new pilots for a while, we will embrace it. (And we certainly can't deny the fact that Eric would make a fabulous instructor...)
Over the past month, we've spent a romantic weekend in Fredericksburg, TX tasting wines, window shopping, and enjoying each others' undivided attention.
We've seen good friends realize their dreams, said good-bye to others, and made new ones. And we've made some necessary changes. For one, I have left my job for a new, part-time position at a fun boutique in town. It was a tough decision, as I loved my team and the students I worked with, but it is for the best. I'm looking forward to having more time to support Eric in the ways I was able when I wasn't working. While I felt fulfilled and purposeful working full-time, I realized just how much I value my role at home and I can't wait to have a little more of that back.
Looking ahead, my little sis is coming to visit this week! We are SO excited to have her--there's nothing like having family around, even for a short time. We plan to show her the planes Eric flies, hang out at the pool, and go to the Drop Night on Friday so she can see what we will get to experience in just 7 short weeks.
And, as promised, here's a few pictures of the amazing Ranch we visited last month:
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Where is time going?!!
I've come to the conclusion that a lack of seasons makes it feel like time is standing still, when in fact it is flying by! We are 3 MONTHS away from finding out what the next several years will hold!! EEEK! Eric is loving the T-1 considerably more than the T-6, and he's starting to get a better idea of what possible heavy/tanker aircrafts he'd like to fly after graduation.
The past two months have been incredibly busy: I took a weekend trip back to Michigan to see my dad graduate from his MBA program at Notre Dame, we visited Grandma and Grandpa for Memorial Day, and we got to meet Eric's class sponsors and enjoy an incredible evening on their 10,000 acre hunting ranch that sits on the cliffs--and therefore has amazing views--of Lake Amistad. (Yea, beautiful places in Del Rio--who knew?!) We got a full tour, saw a few of their 15 different exotic species, including a Watusi cow, zebras, buffalo, and oryx. (Stay tuned--I'll post pictures soon.) The best part? The owners were born and raised in Paris, France! I know, totally unrelated to anything we were there for, but it was great to hear French being spoken after not using my own for so long! Hopefully we can arrange for our parents to see this place when they come for graduation--Eric and I both commented on how our dads would absolutely love it.
We're really looking forward to our trip to Fredricksburg, TX over July 4th weekend--what a welcome break from the daily grind that will be! We're also trying to save for a honeymoon, so we're tentatively making tropical paradise plans for November.
And I almost forgot...we got a NEW CAR! Yep, the Honda is no longer lonely in the driveway; she has a shiny 2009 Saturn Aura to share the burden of our travels with. :) We have radio, extra cold air conditioning (not that it's necessary in the 110 degree heat), and we love that we don't have to wear headsets to talk to each other anymore!
And of course, we celebrate Eric's quarter-century birthday yesterday--old man! :)
Clearly life is busy (or I'd be posting more!) but I'll do my best to keep y'all updated!
xoxo
The past two months have been incredibly busy: I took a weekend trip back to Michigan to see my dad graduate from his MBA program at Notre Dame, we visited Grandma and Grandpa for Memorial Day, and we got to meet Eric's class sponsors and enjoy an incredible evening on their 10,000 acre hunting ranch that sits on the cliffs--and therefore has amazing views--of Lake Amistad. (Yea, beautiful places in Del Rio--who knew?!) We got a full tour, saw a few of their 15 different exotic species, including a Watusi cow, zebras, buffalo, and oryx. (Stay tuned--I'll post pictures soon.) The best part? The owners were born and raised in Paris, France! I know, totally unrelated to anything we were there for, but it was great to hear French being spoken after not using my own for so long! Hopefully we can arrange for our parents to see this place when they come for graduation--Eric and I both commented on how our dads would absolutely love it.
We're really looking forward to our trip to Fredricksburg, TX over July 4th weekend--what a welcome break from the daily grind that will be! We're also trying to save for a honeymoon, so we're tentatively making tropical paradise plans for November.
And I almost forgot...we got a NEW CAR! Yep, the Honda is no longer lonely in the driveway; she has a shiny 2009 Saturn Aura to share the burden of our travels with. :) We have radio, extra cold air conditioning (not that it's necessary in the 110 degree heat), and we love that we don't have to wear headsets to talk to each other anymore!
And of course, we celebrate Eric's quarter-century birthday yesterday--old man! :)
Clearly life is busy (or I'd be posting more!) but I'll do my best to keep y'all updated!
xoxo
Friday, April 16, 2010
Food Revolution
If you haven't seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution--you need to! It's on Fridays at 9/8c on ABC. He's fighting the tough battle of getting the processed, unhealthy foods out of schools and replacing them with nutritious, homemade school lunches. After the TV series is finished, Jamie and his team (one of the exec. producers being Ryan Seacrest) will be taking a petition to D.C. in hopes of waking the government up to this massive issue and demanding change. Take 2 seconds to sign the petition and fight childhood obesity. The show is awesome and Jamie's cause is worth supporting; this generation of children is the first in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Sad, right? Sure, the government budget is tight, but the health of our nation is crucial and worthy of being a priority. Right now healthy foods are far more expensive than processed junk--let's change that! Seriously though, at the very least, watch the show--it's inspiring!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution
http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution
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